zhǔyi: 主意 - Idea, Plan, Decision

• Keywords: 主意, zhuyi, zhǔyì, Chinese for idea, Chinese for plan, make a decision in Chinese, 主意 meaning, 主意 vs 想法, what is zhuyi, HSK 3 vocabulary, Chinese vocabulary
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 主意 (zhǔyi), which means “idea,” “plan,” or “decision.” This page breaks down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical use in daily conversation. Discover the key difference between 主意 (zhǔyi) and 想法 (xiǎngfǎ), and learn how to use it correctly to suggest plans, make decisions, and sound more like a native speaker.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhǔyi
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A definite idea, plan, or course of action that one has settled on.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 主意 (zhǔyi) not just as a random thought, but as a thought that has been developed into a concrete proposal or a decision. If a fleeting thought is a seed, a 主意 is the sprout that's ready to be planted. It's the “Aha!” moment that leads to a plan.

• 主 (zhǔ): This character means “master,” “main,” “host,” or “to be in charge of.” Think of it as the person who owns or controls something.
• 意 (yì): This character means “idea,” “thought,” or “meaning.” The character itself contains the character for “heart” (心) at the bottom, suggesting that ideas and intentions come from the heart or mind.
• Combined Meaning: Together, 主意 (zhǔyi) literally translates to the “master idea” or the “main thought.” It's the idea that you have taken ownership of; it's the one that's in charge. This perfectly captures its meaning as a decided-upon plan rather than just a passing notion.

In Western culture, an “idea” can be abstract, philosophical, or just a fleeting thought. However, 主意 (zhǔyi) in Chinese culture carries a stronger sense of action and decisiveness. It's a practical concept. When you say “我有一个主意 (Wǒ yǒu yí ge zhǔyi),” you're not just saying “I have a thought.” You are actively proposing a plan for others to consider or a solution to a problem. This connects to a practical, problem-solving mindset often valued in Chinese society. Furthermore, a person who is “有主意 (yǒu zhǔyi)“—literally “has ideas”—is seen as decisive and independent. This can be a double-edged sword. In a business or family context that values hierarchy and consensus, being too “有主意” might be seen as stubborn or unwilling to listen to others. Conversely, someone who “没主意 (méi zhǔyi)” is seen as indecisive and perhaps weak-willed. The ideal is often to be able to “拿主意 (ná zhǔyi)“—to make a firm decision—after carefully considering the group's input.

主意 (zhǔyi) is an incredibly common word used in everyday situations.

• Proposing a Plan: It's the go-to word for suggesting an activity. “周末我们去爬山怎么样？这是个好主意！” (How about we go hiking this weekend? That's a great idea!)
• Asking for Suggestions: When you're stuck and need a solution, you ask for a 主意. “我们该怎么办？你快帮我出个主意！” (What should we do? Quick, help me come up with an idea!)
• Making a Decision: It's central to the act of deciding. The phrase 拿定主意 (ná dìng zhǔyi) means “to make up one's mind.” For example: “我已经拿定主意了，我要辞职去旅行。” (I've made up my mind, I'm going to quit my job and travel.)
• Describing a Person's Character: You can describe someone as 有主意 (yǒu zhǔyi) (decisive) or 没主意 (méi zhǔyi) (indecisive).

• Example 1:
  • 这是个好主意！我们明天就这么办。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì ge hǎo zhǔyi! Wǒmen míngtiān jiù zhème bàn.
  • English: This is a great idea! Let's do it this way tomorrow.
  • Analysis: A classic use of 好主意 (hǎo zhǔyi) to enthusiastically agree with a suggestion. This is extremely common in daily conversation.
• Example 2:
  • 关于这个项目，你有什么主意吗？
  • Pinyin: Guānyú zhège xiàngmù, nǐ yǒu shénme zhǔyi ma?
  • English: Do you have any ideas regarding this project?
  • Analysis: Here, the speaker is asking for a concrete plan or a set of actionable suggestions, not just a vague thought.
• Example 3:
  • 他这个人很有主意，从小就知道自己想要什么。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhège rén hěn yǒu zhǔyi, cóngxiǎo jiù zhīdào zìjǐ xiǎng yào shénme.
  • English: He is a very decisive person; he's known what he wants since he was little.
  • Analysis: 有主意 (yǒu zhǔyi) is used here as a personality trait, describing someone who is independent and not easily swayed.
• Example 4:
  • 你快帮我出个主意，我不知道该送她什么生日礼物。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kuài bāng wǒ chū ge zhǔyi, wǒ bù zhīdào gāi sòng tā shénme shēngrì lǐwù.
  • English: Quick, help me come up with an idea, I don't know what birthday gift to give her.
  • Analysis: The phrase 出主意 (chū zhǔyi) means “to offer an idea” or “to suggest a plan.” It's an active request for a solution.
• Example 5:
  • 我还没拿定主意，不知道是该买这个还是那个。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ hái méi ná dìng zhǔyi, bù zhīdào shì gāi mǎi zhège háishì nàge.
  • English: I still haven't made up my mind, I don't know if I should buy this one or that one.
  • Analysis: 拿定主意 (ná dìng zhǔyi) is a set phrase meaning “to make a final decision.” The negative form here expresses indecisiveness.
• Example 6:
  • 让他一个人去？你这出的都是什么馊主意！
  • Pinyin: Ràng tā yí ge rén qù? Nǐ zhè chū de dōu shì shénme sōu zhǔyi!
  • English: Let him go alone? What kind of a rotten idea is that!
  • Analysis: 馊主意 (sōu zhǔyi) literally means “spoiled/sour idea” and is the perfect, colloquial way to say “a terrible idea” or “a lousy plan.”
• Example 7:
  • 别管他们怎么说，你得有自己的主意。
  • Pinyin: Bié guǎn tāmen zěnme shuō, nǐ děi yǒu zìjǐ de zhǔyi.
  • English: Don't worry about what they say, you have to have your own ideas/make your own decisions.
  • Analysis: This sentence encourages independent thinking and decisiveness, highlighting the “master” aspect of 主 (zhǔ).
• Example 8:
  • 他突然改变了主意，决定不跟我们一起去了。
  • Pinyin: Tā tūrán gǎibiàn le zhǔyi, juédìng bù gēn wǒmen yìqǐ qù le.
  • English: He suddenly changed his mind and decided not to go with us anymore.
  • Analysis: 改变主意 (gǎibiàn zhǔyi) is the standard phrase for “to change one's mind” or “to change one's plan.”
• Example 9:
  • 这件事得听我们老板的，他才是拿主意的人。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiàn shì děi tīng wǒmen lǎobǎn de, tā cái shì ná zhǔyi de rén.
  • English: We have to listen to our boss on this matter, he's the one who makes the decisions.
  • Analysis: The phrase 拿主意 (ná zhǔyi) means “to make the decision.” Here it emphasizes who has the final say and authority.
• Example 10:
  • 她是个没主意的人，事事都要问她丈夫。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì ge méi zhǔyi de rén, shìshì dōu yào wèn tā zhàngfu.
  • English: She's an indecisive person, she has to ask her husband about everything.
  • Analysis: 没主意 (méi zhǔyi) is the direct opposite of 有主意 (yǒu zhǔyi), describing someone who lacks their own opinion and can't make decisions independently.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 主意 (zhǔyi) and 想法 (xiǎngfǎ).

• 主意 (zhǔyi) vs. 想法 (xiǎngfǎ):
  • 想法 (xiǎngfǎ) means “thought,” “way of thinking,” or “opinion.” It's broader and more abstract. It can be a passing thought or a deeply held belief.
  • 主意 (zhǔyi) is a specific, actionable “idea” or “plan” aimed at solving a problem or deciding on a course of action. It's a subset of 想法.
  • Analogy: You might have many 想法 (thoughts) about what to do on vacation, but the one you choose and propose to your family is your 主意 (plan/idea).
• Example of Misuse:
  • Incorrect: 他的哲学主意很深奥。 (Tā de zhéxué zhǔyi hěn shēn'ào.)
  • Why it's wrong: 主意 (zhǔyi) implies a concrete plan. Philosophical concepts are not plans. The correct word is 想法 (xiǎngfǎ), which can mean “ideas” in the intellectual or philosophical sense.
  • Correct: 他的哲学想法很深奥。 (Tā de zhéxué xiǎngfǎ hěn shēn'ào.) - His philosophical ideas are very profound.
• 主意 (zhǔyi) vs. 意见 (yìjiàn):
  • 意见 (yìjiàn) is an “opinion,” “view,” or “suggestion” you offer to someone else for their consideration. It focuses on expressing a viewpoint.
  • 主意 (zhǔyi) is more of a self-contained plan. While you can offer your 主意 to someone else, it has the connotation of a fully-formed solution.

• 想法 (xiǎngfǎ) - A “thought” or “way of thinking.” The raw material from which a 主意 is formed.
• 意见 (yìjiàn) - An “opinion” or “suggestion” offered to others. More focused on giving feedback than proposing a full plan.
• 办法 (bànfǎ) - A “method,” “solution,” or “way” of doing something. A good 主意 often leads to a good 办法.
• 决定 (juédìng) - A “decision” (noun) or “to decide” (verb). This is the formal result of having a 主意 and acting on it.
• 拿主意 (ná zhǔyi) - A common verb-object phrase meaning “to make a decision” or “to be the one who decides.”
• 出主意 (chū zhǔyi) - A verb-object phrase meaning “to offer an idea,” “to come up with a plan.”
• 主见 (zhǔjiàn) - “One's own definite opinion.” Very similar to 主意, but strongly emphasizes independence and firmness of mind. A person with 主见 is not easily influenced.
• 馊主意 (sōu zhǔyi) - A “rotten/lousy idea.” A very useful and colloquial negative term.
• 改变主意 (gǎibiàn zhǔyi) - “To change one's mind/plan.”
• 没主意 (méi zhǔyi) - “Indecisive,” “lacking one's own opinion.”